Assessment Engaging with Politics

Assessment Engaging with Politics Order Description This assessment item requires students to select a political issue of interest. This can be a local, state, or federal issue. There are two components to this assessment. The first component takes the form of a series of questions and answers about the political issue chosen by the student. These will require short answer responses, and is worth 15 marks. The questions to address will be available in the Assessment folder on the Learning@Griffith site for this course. The second component of this assessment item requires students to draft a submission to government regarding the political issue they have chosen. This will be worth 25 marks. In total, the assessment piece is worth 40 marks (40%). It is highly recommended that you use the Engaging with Politics tool to build your assessment, so that all questions are answered and so your letter is structured correctly. This assessment item requires you to select a political issue of interest. This can be a local, state or federal issue. There are two components to this assessment. The first component requires you to provide short answer responses (approx. 250 words each) to the first three questions (in the Section Menu below left). The second component of this assessment item requires you to draft a letter to the person you have identified as the primary person with whom to raise the issue (the letter format is set out in the Section Menu below left, under the 3 questions). check that you have answered all three of the questions and that your letter is tightly structured and well-written, free of grammatical/spelling mistakes, correctly referenced and that your address is positioned on the top right of the letter. In Word, add your name and student number and attach your reference list. In total, your questions should be approximately 250 words in length each and your letter should be approximately 1250-1500 words in length. Essay Structure: Question 1: What is the issue, how did you find out about it, and what sources did you use to research it? Question 2: Which level/s of government is involved? (e.g. local, state, or federal government) and which would you target primarily if you wanted to be heard on this issue? Why? Question 3: Identify the Members of Parliament and/or Ministers with whom you would raise this issue. Are they members of the Government or the Opposition? Who would you target primarily? Why? Senator or members address: e.g. This section should contain the address of who you are sending your submission to. For eg. The Hon Tim Carmody, SC The Commissioner Queensland Chidl Protection Commision of Inquiry PO Box 12196 George St QLD 4003 Salutation: It is important when addressing senators and members to do so correctly. Following is a list of how the current senators and members should be addressed. Position Salutation Prime Minister Dear Prime Minister Position Salutation President of the Senate (when writing formally) Dear Mr/Madam President Position Salutation President of the Senate (when writing to the President in their electrol capacity) Dear Senator or Senator ______ Position Salutation Speaker of the House of Representatives (when writing formally) Dear Mr/Madam Speaker Position Salutation Minister (Senate) Dear Minister Position Salutation Minister (House of Representatives) Dear Minister Position Salutation Assistant Treasurer (House of Representatives) Dear Assistant Treasurer Position Salutation Parliamentary Secretary Dear Mr/Ms Position Salutation Senator Dear Senator Position Salutation Member (House of Representatives) Dear Sir/Madam Summary and Overview: A concise summary of the current position and an overview of the problem In this introductory section, you must provide a brief summary of the issue and briefly explain how the problem arises in context (e.g. the history of the matter, the legal or policy position currently, etc...) This section should contain a strong opening statement of your argument (supported by relevant sources) – e.g. do you agree/ disagree with the current position? This should be the first (and perhaps second) paragraph of your letter. Critical Analysis of the problem: This forms the body of your letter. In this section, you need to analyse the issues to identify how/where areas of weakness or injustice arise. You will need to research the issue and use appropriate sources to support your analysis. Do not just describe the issues – analyse the strengths or weaknesses in the system that contribute to or overcome the problem. This should be the body of your letter and should be about 2-3 paragraphs in length. Recommendations for reform: You should provide a recommendation for reform or a solution to the problem you’ve raised. Your recommendation should be well-grounded and achievable. This is the closing paragraph of your letter.